The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC) made the decision on Saturday. The Hong Kong government has said it will devise local legislation procedures following the NPC’s ruling.

The Great Hall. Photo: Lukas Messmer/HKFP.

The maximum penalty for disrespecting the anthem on the mainland was set as three years in prison. The Hong Kong government has said it will take reference from the existing national flag and emblem law, which also has a maximum penalty of three years in prison.

“I advise Hong Kong people not to test the law themselves, because if it’s in Annex III, theoretically speaking – as I’ve said – these acts will already be considered illegal,” Tong said.

Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Patrick Nip said the government will consult the legislature and the public when enacting the new law locally.

The government echoed his words in a statement on Saturday: “During the legislative process, the HKSAR Government will carefully consider the views of the public and members of the Legislative Council.”

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